King Edward VI Five Ways School

King Edward VI Five Ways School, situated in Birmingham, is a grammar school with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1552. As a member of the “Schools of King Edward VI,” this selective state grammar institution operates without school fees, as all operational costs are covered by government financing. The school currently enrolls approximately 1,300 students.

The primary objective of King Edward VI Five Ways School is to make learning both enjoyable and effective. By adhering to the national curriculum and providing diverse texts, the school allows students to explore a wide range of topics. Additionally, the school has a dedicated time slot every Wednesday, allocating 25 minutes for students to engage with their chosen texts. Through this approach, the school aims to create a stimulating and fulfilling learning environment.

A distinctive feature of the school is the ARETÉ supercurricular awards programme, available to all students in Years 10-13. During this programme, subject teachers thoughtfully select various extracurricular activities for students to explore and enhance their talents.

Central to the school's ethos is the emphasis on instilling a sense of belonging, support, and safety. The dynamic between the school's staff and pupils is built on mutual respect and care, maintaining high expectations for academic and personal growth. The institution is dedicated to educating young people to uphold their values independently. The systems in place are designed to promote equity, ensuring all students have equal access to a high-quality learning experience.

Students at Five Ways consistently achieve remarkable grades. In recent GCSE exams, nearly half of the students (41%) received a grade 9, and over two-thirds (67%) attained a grade 8 or higher. For A-level exams, 30% of all entries received an A* grade, and 61% of the entries achieved a grade between A* and A.